Etc. Boutique sees steady business after reopening

Coronavirus closure happened in March

After closing temporarily due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Etc. Boutique, 215 Park Ave. in Amherst, has reopened to the public to sell its boutique merchandise.

Owner Erin Link said the business opened its doors again June 23 after closing in March.

“We had an amazing week,” she said adding that business has remained comfortably steady since reopening.

With a majority of her staff retired locals, Link said the business had waited a bit longer to reopen to wait out the risk factor.

Now open from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday for the foreseeable future, Link said her customers are happy that Etc. is again open.

Previously, Link had been selling merchandise for curbside pickup through Facebook Live events, which kept revenue steady.

Those live videos still are available at 11 a.m. every Tuesday through Friday for those still hesitant to go into the boutique store.

“They’re buying through Facebook Live and we can still do curbside,” Link said.

Now, the store has a six-customer limit and requires a mask be worn, temperature taken upon arrival and hand sanitizer applied before shopping ensues.

Additionally, Etc. is allowing patrons to try on clothing, something many big stores won’t allow.

Link said items of clothing that aren’t purchased after being tried on are sanitized at the end of the day.

Overall, she said reopening her business has been a positive experience.

“Everyone is playing pretty well and they all seem to be very happy with our guidelines,” she said. “They’re still window shopping and still on Facebook Live.”

COURTESY — ERIN LINK Etc. Boutique employees pose outside the business’s door at 215Park Ave. in Amherst. The boutique shop has reopened after a temporary closure due to novel coronavirus.

COURTESY — ERIN LINK Etc. Boutique owner Erin Link poses outside her business’s door at 215Park Ave. in Amherst.